South Fork Shenandoah River at Elkton Landing

River Right Access (East Side of River)

Beach Worthiness: A*

Bank Fishing Worthiness: A

Wade Fishing Worthiness: A

Kid/Family Playaround Friendliness: A*

Restroom Facilities: No

Picnic Facilities: No

*See access description below

Distances to Nearby Accesses:

Stonewall Riverside Park is upstream 1.2 miles

Island Ford is upstream 7.1 miles

It is a 6.5 mile float down to Shenandoah Landing and Park

Access Description:

*This is a VDGIF managed boating and fishing access and other uses may be considered loitering. There is a concrete ramp for boat trailers that stops well short of the water during normal flow. However, a stone beach at the end of the ramp slopes gradually into the river. This access is under Route 33 Business, find it by turning off Route 33 business between the public trash drop-off site and the concrete plant.

Parking: There is plenty of parking in a gravel lot

The River:

The South Fork Shenandoah is a mid-sized river averaging 200 feet wide. There are a mixture of class A-II rapids and lots of pools, riffles and runs to mix up the scenery. Largely tree-lined and scenic farmland. Most people paddle to Shenandoah Landing in 2-5 hours and fishermen take all day . Fishermen love the water between Elkton and Shenandoah for all river species of fish.

Water Levels:

1) Avoid Floating/boating when river is over 5 feet on the USGS Lynnwood South Fork Shenandoah Gage

2) Avoid Floating/boating when there are large objects floating in the river (floods pick these up) or if you are not skilled enough to handle the velocity of flow

3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water

4) When levels are under 2.4 feet at the USGS Lynnwood gage this float becomes pretty shallow for floating/boating. Leave extra time. Wear good river shoes.

Staying as Safe As Possible:

River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Shenandoah Riverkeeper always suggests people use one of the many river outfitters that exist along the river to rent you a tube/boat/raft and put you on an appropriate float. But for people with some experience or those who would like to venture out on their own you may wish to heed some general guidelines Including:

1) Bring much more water than you think you'll need

2) Wear your life preserver

3) Wear closed-toe secure river shoes or tennis shoes at all times

4) Don't drink water from the river

5) Bring wet weather gear even on the hottest days (long summer thunderstorms can give you hypothermia)

6) If you have an open cut or scrape keep it out of the river

7) If you get a cut or scrape from the river, clean it out very very thoroughly right away and make sure no debris/algae or dirt remains in the cut. Disinfect. Keep Dry. River infections are extremely serious. If you suspect infection is developing in a cut after having contact with the river then seek medical attention immediately - emergency care if your doctor is unavailable. Signs of river infection are increasing redness or prolonged soreness, increasing swelling, wound odor and/or fever.

8) In cool weather dress in warm layers. Never wear cotton against your skin and this includes t-shirts and jeans.

9) Be aware of where you are in the river and become familiar with what your take-out point looks like if you're doing a float so you don't miss it and get stranded after dark.

10) Avoid wild animals

11) If thunderstorms develop you should have a plan which usually includes finding a place that reduces your chance of being struck by lightning and/or being hit by a falling branch or tree in high winds.

12) Fish and boat with a partner

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for S.F. Shenandoah River at Elkton Landing and 8,000 other beaches.